Heritage Auctions is standing by the authenticity of memorabilia from Hank Aaron’s 715th home run that is set to be sold later this month. The Braves sent the auction house a cease and desist letter on Friday.
What are claimed to be the home plate and all three bases from the historic home run are a part of Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction set for Aug. 23-25.
The authenticity of the mementos was called into question in a story by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday that included a statement by the Baseball Hall of Fame that one item, the third base, is in the museum in Cooperstown, New York.
In a statement to the AJC, Heritage Auctions said the following:
“Heritage values nothing more than transparency and authenticity. We have done our due diligence and are satisfied that these are the authentic bases based on their source and the provenance.
“However, we were unaware of the concerns surrounding the bases until we saw the statements in the AJC late Thursday. We understand and appreciate the historic nature of these items, and we are now working to address all parties’ concerns in an attempt to resolve the matter expeditiously.”
According to the auction house, the memorabilia was in the hands of the son of a “long-time Braves employee.” Heritage’s description stated that “for decades, the three bases and home plate of Aaron’s historic circumnavigation languished in cardboard boxes where our consignor’s father placed them that very day until they were gifted to his son in 2016, and now consigned to auction.” The items were said to be stored at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field.
The AJC has asked multiple times for the name of the consignor, but it has not been provided with the information.
Credit: Billy Downs/AJC
Credit: Billy Downs/AJC
The lot description of the bases said it includes a “letter of provenance from former Braves staffer.”
Ronald B. Gaither, Jr., a partner with BakerHostetler, sent a demand for termination of the auction to Heritage. A copy of the letter was obtained by the AJC.
In a letter to Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions, and Derek Grady, VP of Sports Auctions, of Heritage, the demand reads: “This description from Heritage and other credible information learned over the course of our investigation, corroborates the Atlanta Braves’ belief that some of the Disputed Items may have been illegally removed by the unnamed employee, constituting theft and conversion. The Atlanta Braves did not transfer ownership of the first base, second base, third base or home plate. Therefore, Heritage is either: (i) actively auctioning off items that were obtained by improper or illegal means; or (ii) auctioning off knowingly unauthenticated items.
“This letter shall serve as notice to Heritage that some or all of the Disputed Items were never in the rightful or legal possession of the party purporting to have ownership rights to auction them off and the Braves have reason to question the authenticity of some of the Disputed Items.
“This letter shall also serve as notice that the Disputed Items have not been authenticated by the Braves. It is our understanding that, the third base which Heritage purports to be one of the bases Hank Aaron “traveled on his greatest day…,” may be inauthentic because the actual third-base traversed by Hank Aaron on April 8, 1974 was gifted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown by Mr. Aaron in 1982 – where the base currently resides and is on display. Additionally, Leland’s Auction sold what was purported to be the second base in 2002.
“These are only two examples of verifiable transfers of some of the items Heritage claims are authentic. Heritage is now on notice that the authenticity of the Disputed Items are reasonably disputed; therefore, Heritage must immediately disclose this information to any potential bidder. The Atlanta Braves remain deeply concerned with Heritage’s lack of diligence and complete failure to authenticate the Disputed Items.”
The Braves also included several other mementos in the auction among the disputed items. They are Aaron’s jerseys from 1954 and 1974, his hat from 1974, and all other Atlanta Braves apparel or uniforms. The Braves response indicates that the unknown employee may have taken several items that are on consignment.
One jersey was worn by Aaron on Nov. 1, 1974 while in Tokyo for a home run contest against Japan’s Sadaharu Oh at Korakuen Stadium. That would prove to be the final day of Aaron’s two decades wearing the uniform of the Braves. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on Nov. 2.
The cease and desist demand includes a deadline to comply of Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The auction house has publicized the auction on its website and in press releases. The AJC ran a story on the auction this week.
However, the AJC in May took a photo of the third base from the night of the 715th home run, which Aaron hit April 8, 1974, on display at the Hall of Fame. It was part of an exhibit “Hank Aaron: Chasing The Dream.” The exhibit, open since 2019, corresponded with the unveiling of a permanent statue of Aaron in the Hall of Fame.
In a statement to the AJC, the Hall of Fame stated: “The third base bag from Hank Aaron’s 715 home run game, which was presented to him following his record-setting home run, was then donated by Aaron to the Hall of Fame in 1982. He subsequently donated his entire collection to the Hall of Fame.”
The Hall of Fame is only in possession of the third base from the 715th homer, not home plate or first and second base.
According to the auction house Lelands, second base from the 715th homer was sold at auction in 2002 for $5,812.64.
According to Heritage Auctions, the bases are expected to top $100,000.
With seven days remaining, early bidding on the lot is at $44,000 as of Friday afternoon.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Heritage Auction
Credit: Photo courtesy of Heritage Auction
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